“No one is afraid of yesterday.”
~Renata Adler, American author
I wrestled with those six words even as I typed them for today’s blog post.
Wrestle with them still.
Am I afraid of yesterday?
No.
But I am afraid of … the lingering effects of some of the choices I made oh-so-many yesterdays ago.
I am afraid of … the still painful wounds caused by others’ choices thousands of yesterdays ago.
And I’m afraid of others saying, “You shouldn’t be afraid.”
Really? Can you ever tell someone else not to be afraid?
Is it more that you say, “I understand your fear. Let me show you where you can find safety. And peace. And hope.”
Because, truth is, sometimes yesterday’s fear leaches into today. Unless.
Unless someone gives you the Why … the reason they don’t need to be, or rather, to stay afraid.
In Your Words: Fear and yesterday. An interesting mix, don’t you think? Do you ever find yourself fearing the past — or is fear (worry, anxiety), more an emotion reserved for future events? What calms your fears?
Comments 19
Well, I know Jesus said don’t worry about tomorrow, so I bet He would say the same about yesterday. Mistakes of the past can often stay with us long after the fact, but I don’t think we’re meant to live this way. If we have been forgiven by God, then surely we can forgive ourselves. Images and memories of harsh words or events can only be erased over time and through God’s healing power. And yes, it’s way too easy to go back there. 🙂
I like your insight, Cathy. (No surprise there!)
I think one of the keys is the phrase “over time” –and also the establishment of a strong foundation of truth.
Interesting question, Beth! I think you’re right…It’s not so much possible to fear yesterday. But we can fear consequences of choices we made yesterday. Deep thoughts for a Monday morning! 🙂
Good morning, Sarah!
I went to bed last night wondering if this morning’s post was a bit too “melancholy” for a Monday … even considered reworking it. But decided to let it be. And let people weigh in.
Wow, thought provoking post, Beth. I’m not afraid of my yesterdays, but I do find certain events from my past left residual fingerprints on my todays. I’m learning how to hand those over to God, asking Him to change/heal my thoughts and ways of responding when certain things happen today.
I try not to live a life of fear. I’m gradually developing the discipline of turning to the Lord when fear makes an entrance into my thought life. It’s a difficult discipline to master. Fear, for me, usually comes with the unknowns in the tomorrows of this life.
I think fear finds it’s way into our lives more often then we realize … and sometimes we have to name it, shine the light on it, to find the ability to walk away from it.
I’m not so sure fear is the right emotion I feel when it comes to the past. I am a card-carrying member of past regrets though, especially when I know my words or actions have wounded those I love. I have to remember holding onto those regrets gives satan more power than he deserves. Thankfully Jesus has the grace scissors to cut up my card to the past regrets club.
Great analogy, Lisa — may I borrow your scissors, please?
🙂
God. God’s one of the only things that calms my fears (though He’s far more than a thing). And yes, that is an interesting mix…fear & yesterday…sure has me thinking this am.
~ Wendy
I agree with you on both counts, Wendy.
I do my best to live today, so that I don’t regret. (Easier said than done some days). Having said that I’ve been working on a memoir. Sometimes, a note or an object lands in my hands that reminds me how I didn’t know so much during that time.
Stacy,
Interesting balance that you’re striving for there, my friend.
Looking back and going forward at the same time.
Gleaning truth–and lessons learned–from the past, while reaching for what’s here and now.
Wow, those six words are powerful, indeed. Profound truth. I really like the way that you address the ramifications of “yesterdays” that may cause fear and uncertainty. Much to ponder here, my Friend. Thanks for a great post!
Thanks, Donna.
Believe me, I’m still mulling over those six words!
The first thing my mind heard when I saw the title “Yesterday” were the Beatle’s lyrics for their song “Yesterday.”
Yesterday,
All my troubles seemed so far away,
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay,
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
Yesterday,
Love was such an easy game to play,
Now I need a place to hide away,
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
The last verse reminds me of what I do when yesterday’s fears surface. I’ve collected over 200 of the Hebrew names for God. When I feel fear, I look at my list to see which attribute of God reflected by that a specific Hebrew name addresses my fear.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Psalm 18:10) That’s what your reply made me think of, Scoti.
Very interesting and quite though provoking–thank you!
Wow. I love the quote. I think I will post it on my bathroom mirror. A few ladies I know are going through the book fearless by Max Lucado with me. I am a fearful person and I need God’s constant grace showers on my dry soul. The book is fabulous but I am a slow learner.
Funny how I am a new visitor to your webblog today but I wrote a post for my own blog to be published tomorrow on this exact thing. An old choice I made many years ago has found it’s way back into my new life and it has brought a suitcase of fear with it. However God is showing me His poker hand. ‘I have plans for you, plans to grow you and stretch you, but not to harm you. I have a plan that is riddled with hope and a glorious future.’
Thanks Beth for your insight. It encouraged me.
(I found your blog from the MBT site).
Hi, Jodi,
I’m so glad you stopped by … and that the timing was just right.
Looking forward to stopping by your blog tomorrow and seeing your insights on this topic.